THE EXTREMELY SCARCE APRIL 1944 ‘DEFENCE OF KOHIMA GARRISON’ M.M. AWARDED TO AN ORIGINAL DEFENDER WHO WAS WOUNDED-IN-ACTION DURING THE DEFENCE. ONE OF JUST NINE M.M.’S TO INDIAN, BURMA AND NEPALESE UNITS FOR GALLANTRY DURING THE SIEGE 6-20 APRIL 1944

MILITARY MEDAL 'FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD'. GVI FIRST ISSUE ‘21212 NAIK ABDUL AZIZ, BENGAL S & M GP. I.E..

Naik (Corporal) Abdul Aziz, 2nd Indian Field Company, Indian Engineers, was an original defender Kohima Garrison, whist serving with 161 Indian Infantry Brigade. He was decorated with an 'Immediate' award of the Military Medal for his conspicuous gallantry during the Defence; 6-20 April 1944, during which he was 'Wounded-in-Action' by 'Mortar' shrapnel to the head.

Unit on medal is ‘Bengal Sappers & Miners Group, Indian Engineers’.

M. M. London Gazette 31 August 1944. The recommendation for an immediate award, dated 24 April 1944 states:

“During the operations of 161 Indian Infantry Brigade Group in the Arakan and the Naga Hills, Naik Abdul Aziz has been in command of a sub-section of 2 Indian Field Company, I.E. At Kwela Binga on 1st to 3rd January he directed his party during bridging operations under continuous enemy sniping and intermittent gun fire, and it was largely by his determination and courage that the crossings over the chaung were maintained and improved to enable vital supplies to be carried forward. On 6 Apr 44 his sub-sec accompanied 4 R.W.K. Regt Gp into Kohima and on 7 Apr 44 he was wounded in the head by mortar fire. He refused to be evacuated with the last party of wounded to leave before it was encircled by the enemy, and insisted on remaining in active command of his men. During the 12 days which followed, when his section was holding defensive positions under heavy fire, Naik Abdul Aziz toured and rallied his posts and directed his mens fire with complete disregard for his own safety, and when his Sec was relieved on 20 Apr he was the last man to leave. Throughout these operations he has shown on all occasions great initiative and enthusiasm, consistent courage and coolness in action, and inspiring leadership of his sub-section.”

A rare and desirable gallantry to one of the 'Original Defenders' of Kohima being one of just nine M.M..’s to Indian, Burma and Nepalese units for gallantry during the siege 4-20 April 1944.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kohima

Condition about VF, contact marks and a little polished.